Calling upon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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calling upon

[ˈkɔːlɪŋ əˈpɒn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

communication

To ask for help, support, or action from someone or something.

Synonyms

appeal to, request, summon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
calling upon	Used in formal or urgent situations when asking someone to do something, often invoking authority or a shared responsibility. The president is calling upon all citizens to remain calm during the crisis The charity organization is calling upon volunteers to assist in the relief efforts
appeal to	Used when making a serious, heartfelt request, often for help or a favor; usually involves an emotional or moral plea. The campaign appeals to the public to donate to the disaster relief fund She appealed to him to stay and talk things over
summon	Used in formal or authoritative contexts to order someone to come or be present; can have a negative or commanding connotation. The manager summoned the employee to discuss the complaint The king summoned his advisors for an urgent meeting
request	Used in general situations for asking politely or formally for something; neutral tone. He sent a request for an extension on the project deadline Please submit a request if you need additional resources

Examples of usage

During the crisis, the government was calling upon its citizens to volunteer and help with relief efforts.
The team captain called upon her teammates to give their best performance in the upcoming match.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

formal request

To formally request or demand something.

Synonyms

entreat, petition, urge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
calling upon	Formal or official situations where one needs to request the presence or action of someone, often used in speeches or official requests. The president is calling upon all citizens to remain calm in this difficult time. We are calling upon you to lend your expertise to this important project.
petition	Used when formally making a request, often written and signed by many people, typically to an authority or higher power. The employees signed a petition for better working conditions. They petitioned the city council to improve public transportation.
urge	Implies a strong, insistent push towards action, often used in persuasive contexts. Health experts urge people to get vaccinated. I urge you to reconsider your decision for the sake of the team.
entreat	Implies a heartfelt, earnest request, often used in emotional or literary contexts. He would entreat his friends to stay a little longer. She entreated him to reconsider his decision.

Examples of usage

The shareholders called upon the company to disclose more information about its financial situation.
The organization called upon the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, 'calling upon' is used in rituals to invite spirits or deities to participate in ceremonies.
In literature, characters often 'call upon' their memories or experiences when faced with challenges, showcasing inner strength.
The phrase is commonly found in speeches and writings during times of need, emphasizing collective action or moral responsibility.

Psychology

Psychological studies show that invoking support from others can bolster a person’s confidence and emotional resilience.
Research suggests that calling upon one’s community or social ties can significantly impact mental well-being.
In times of stress, individuals often call upon their coping skills or past experiences to navigate challenges effectively.

Literature

The phrase appears in classical literature as characters often face dilemmas and call upon their inner strength or wisdom.
Shakespeare regularly used 'calling upon' to illustrate characters invoking different emotions or powers in their speeches.
In poetry, it often reflects a deep longing or need for connection, whether to nature, spirit, or another person.

Religious Context

Many spiritual traditions encourage followers to 'call upon' their higher power for guidance or support during tough times.
In prayer, believers often call upon deities, reflecting the deep bond and reliance on faith in difficult situations.
The act of calling upon has been linked to rituals that aim to invoke blessings or protection in various religious practices.

Origin of 'calling upon'

Main points about word origin

The word 'call' has roots in Old Norse, meaning to shout or cry out.
The phrase combines 'call' with 'upon,' from the Middle English 'upon,' indicating a request or invocation.
It has evolved to signify not just a call, but a formal invitation or an appeal to authority.

The phrase 'calling upon' originated from Middle English, where 'calling' referred to summoning or requesting and 'upon' indicated direction or target. Over time, it evolved to encompass both formal requests and appeals for help or action. The term is commonly used in various contexts, from communication to formal petitions, to indicate the act of asking for assistance, support, or action.